Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI vs Sony ZV-1 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Sony · Compact · 20 MP · 1" · 4K video
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
69
WINNER
|
Sony · Compact · 20 MP · 1" · 4K video
Sony ZV-1
65
SCORE
|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI and the Sony ZV-1 are both compact cameras with fixed lenses, separated by two years: the RX100 VI arrived in 2018 and the ZV-1 in 2020. Each is built as a pocket-scale compact rather than an interchangeable-lens body. The ZV-1 is the lighter carry at 294 g against 301 g, a 7 g difference. The RX100 VI is the smaller body at 102 x 58 x 43 mm against 105 x 60 x 44 mm for the ZV-1. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2018 | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
June 5, 2018 | May 26, 2020 |
| Camera type |  Compact | Compact |
| Camera size | 102 x 58 x 43 mm | 105 x 60 x 44 mm |
| Camera weight | 301 g | 294 g |
| Optics | 67/100 | 67/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsBright-day framing is where the RX100 VI pulls ahead: its built-in electronic viewfinder lets you compose at eye level when glare washes out a rear screen, while the ZV-1 offers screen-only framing. The RX100 VI also offers an expanded ISO 80 setting, which helps keep wide apertures usable in strong light. The stills fundamentals match. Both pair a 20 MP resolution with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, and both offer in-body stabilisation for handheld shooting. Each also reaches 24 fps bursts and a 1/2000 second maximum shutter, with native ISO spanning 125 to 12800. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20 MP050 | 20 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5472 x 3648 | 5472 x 3648 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
13.2 x 8.8 | 13.2 x 8.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
1" | 1" |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
24 fps045 | 24 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Fixed | Fixed |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Bionz X | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
12530200 | 12530200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
8030200 | 12530200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
200080032000 | 200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
3150300 | 3150300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Electronic | None |
| Viewfinder dots | 235929609900000 | N/A |
| Video | 77/100 | 91/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoThe ZV-1 is the better pick for interval shooting on camera: it has built-in timelapse, which the RX100 VI does not offer. That makes a sunset or cloudscape sequence a menu setting rather than post-production assembly. The recording limits are shared, which keeps either camera flexible in the edit. Each records 4K video, and each reaches frame rates up to 120 fps for slow-motion playback. Both write the same file formats, including XAVC S. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
120 fps | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
No |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Features | 83/100 | 68/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesFor travel and outdoor shooting the RX100 VI holds three practical advantages. Its GPS geotags photos with location data, it carries weather sealing, and its rear screen resolves 1,228,800 dots against 921,600, giving focus checks more detail. Framing and transfer are shared strengths. Both have a 3-inch touch LCD that flips out for overhead or selfie framing, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer. Each also has a built-in flash, and neither supports an external one. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✗ | ✗ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
 Yes | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
 Yes | No |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
12288001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Storage & battery | 29/100 | 29/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryRated battery life is close under the supplied test conditions: the ZV-1 reaches 260 shots against 250 for the RX100 VI, a 4 percent edge. Both use the same NP-BX1 battery and support USB charging, so one spare battery and one cable serve either body. Card storage matches: each camera has a single slot that takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards or Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-BX1 | NP-BX1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
250 shots1505000 | 260 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes | Yes |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
The RX100 VI is the better buy for travel and outdoor stills photography: the electronic viewfinder, GPS tagging and weather sealing all matter when shooting landscapes, hikes and bright street scenes. The ZV-1 earns its place for lighter carry and interval work, with built-in timelapse, a 7 g lighter body and a modestly longer rated battery.
The capture basics are shared, with a 20 MP resolution, 4K and 120 fps recording limits and in-body stabilisation on both. The choice therefore rests on eye-level framing and protection versus timelapse convenience and the lighter body.